Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals of the Vienna Open by defeating Tommy Paul 6-4, 7-6(2) in a tightly contested quarterfinal. The Spanish No. 1 relied heavily on his service game, hitting 82% first serves to neutralize Paul’s aggressive baseline play. With only one break point converted in the entire match, Alcaraz demonstrated exceptional composure, saving crucial break points in the fourth and sixth games with signature drop shots before sealing the first set with his first ace of the match.
Serve dominance and clutch volleys secure 6-4, 7-6(2) win over resilient American
This victory marks Alcaraz’s 14th win in ATP 500 events this season, maintaining his perfect record in the tier since his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for four and a half months. The head-to-head record remains heavily skewed in Alcaraz’s favor at 7-2, as Paul has not beaten the Murcian since the 2023 Canadian Masters. The American’s last two wins against Alcaraz came in 2022 and 2023, but the Spaniard has won the last six meetings, showcasing a clear tactical edge over his American rival.
Alcaraz’s breakthrough moment arrived in the seventh game of the first set, where he seized control of the momentum. After holding serve in the tiebreak 7-2, the 22-year-old will now face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. Medvedev’s presence in the final four sets up a potential clash of contrasting styles, with Alcaraz’s explosive movement meeting the Russian’s defensive consistency. As Alcaraz continues his dominant run on the indoor hard courts, his path to the title remains clear, backed by an unbroken streak in mid-tier ATP events this year.
Source: MARCA
